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China Praises African Nations for Blocking Taiwan President's Flight, Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

China Praises African Nations for Blocking Taiwan President's Flight, Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te was forced to cancel a planned visit to Eswatini after three African countries—Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar—revoked permission for his plane to fly through their airspace. This decision came amid allegations of economic pressure from China, which has denied such claims. China expressed 'high appreciation' for the actions of these countries, which align with its 'one-China principle.' Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory, has only a few diplomatic allies, with Eswatini being its sole ally in Africa. The cancellation of the trip highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan, as well as the influence China wields over other nations in diplomatic matters.
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Taiwan President Postpones Eswatini Visit Due to Chinese Pressure on African Nations

Taiwan President Postpones Eswatini Visit Due to Chinese Pressure on African Nations

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has postponed a planned visit to Eswatini after three African countries withdrew flight permissions under pressure from China. The countries involved, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, canceled the permits without prior warning, reportedly due to economic coercion from China. This incident highlights China's influence in Africa and its ongoing efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. Eswatini remains Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, amidst a shrinking list of international partners.
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US slams China's pressure on African countries to block Taiwan president's trip

US slams China's pressure on African countries to block Taiwan president's trip

By Michael Martina WASHINGTON, April 22 (Reuters) - The United States is concerned that several African countries revoked overflight clearances for Taiwan's president at China's behest, the State Department said on Wednesday, calling the incident an abuse of the international civil aviation system. 
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Taiwan President's Africa Visit Postponed Due to Chinese Pressure on Flight Permits

Taiwan President's Africa Visit Postponed Due to Chinese Pressure on Flight Permits

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has postponed a planned visit to Eswatini, Taiwan's sole remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, after three countries withdrew permission for his flight to pass through their airspace. The cancellations by Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar were reportedly due to intense pressure from Chinese authorities, including economic coercion. China claims Taiwan as a breakaway province and has been actively working to isolate it diplomatically. The incident marks a significant instance of Chinese influence affecting international travel plans of a Taiwanese leader.
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US commander warns Taiwan not to 'starve the chicken' on defense

US commander warns Taiwan not to 'starve the chicken' on defense

By David Brunnstrom and Michael Martina WASHINGTON, April 21 (Reuters) - The head of the U.S. command for the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday stressed the importance of Taiwan passing its stalled defense budget, saying the United States "can't want Taiwan's defense more than they want it itself."
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China flexes energy leverage as the Philippines, US start annual war games

China flexes energy leverage as the Philippines, US start annual war games

By Joe Cash BEIJING, April 21 (Reuters) - China on Tuesday implied energy assistance for the Philippines could be tied to Manila holding military drills with the U.S. and other allies, as its top newspaper showed Beijing's readiness to leverage its reserves in diplomatic disputes.
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China's foreign and defense ministers meet with Cambodian counterparts in joint '2+2' dialogue

China's foreign and defense ministers meet with Cambodian counterparts in joint '2+2' dialogue

Cambodia and China have held their first meeting of what is called a “2+2” Strategic Dialogue Mechanism
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Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules

Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules

By Tim Kelly TOKYO, April 21 (Reuters) - Japan on Tuesday unveiled its biggest overhaul of defence export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapons.
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Singapore's Strategic Position Amid U.S.-China Tensions in the Pacific

Singapore's Strategic Position Amid U.S.-China Tensions in the Pacific

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has highlighted the strategic position of the city-state amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China. Speaking at CNBC's CONVERGE LIVE event, Balakrishnan warned that a potential conflict in the Pacific could mirror the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Singapore, maintaining relationships with both the U.S. and China, refuses to choose sides, emphasizing its long-term national interests. The U.S. is Singapore's largest foreign investor, while China is its largest trading partner. Balakrishnan stressed that Singapore will act in its own interest and will not be used by either power.
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China and Cambodia Deepen Political and Security Ties Through '2+2' Dialogue

China and Cambodia Deepen Political and Security Ties Through '2+2' Dialogue

China and Cambodia have initiated their first '2+2' Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, involving both countries' foreign and defense ministers. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Cambodian counterparts, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Defense Minister Tea Seiha, to enhance political and security relations. This initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, aims to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. China, a major investor and aid donor to Cambodia, seeks to expand its influence in Southeast Asia. The dialogue follows a similar format initiated with Indonesia last year. During their visit, the Chinese ministers will also meet with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet. Discussions will focus on existing cooperation frameworks and regional peace and security. The U.S. has expressed concerns over China's influence, particularly regarding the Chinese-funded upgrade of Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, which s...
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Column-Amid Middle East chaos, China changes tactics on Taiwan and Japan

Column-Amid Middle East chaos, China changes tactics on Taiwan and Japan

By Peter Apps April 17 (Reuters) - As U.S.
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Analysis-With tariffs stalled, Trump's China policy drifts

Analysis-With tariffs stalled, Trump's China policy drifts

By Michael Martina WASHINGTON, April 21 (Reuters) - When President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025, he vowed to use tariffs to reset relations with China, which he said was "killing" the United States with its trade policies.